First, determine what kind of essay you are writing

• Argumentative: Makes a claim about a topic and attempts to prove it with evidence.
• Analytical: Breaks down an issue or idea.
• Expository: Explains something to the audience.
• Narrative: Tells a story.

The kind of essay you are writing will help guide the thesis. You want to ensure your thesis reflects the purpose of your essay.

Next, state your topic or assignment as a question. In the case of a research or argumentative essay, this will often be your research question. 

Example: What is the goal of virtual games in early educational settings?

Now, answer the question in one to two sentences. This is the first draft of your working thesis. 

Example: As virtual spaces are becoming integrated into daily life, acting as extensions of the physical world, virtual games should work much like traditional classroom activities and play environments in developing early empathy markers in school-aged children.

What is a "working thesis?"

At this point, you have a thesis that you can use to start planning and building your essay. However, your overall messaging may change as your essay comes to life. If this happens, you may need to return to your thesis to rework it.